Target Audience: Primary Care Providers (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN)

Credits: 1 Credit, 1 Contact Hours (AAFP)

Overview: Join our self-paced educational program to learn to distinguish dementia symptoms from other psychiatric issues and treat them with pharmacological interventions. Improve recognition of behavioral problems in Alzheimer's and dementia patients, use the DICE psycho-behavioral model for medication decisions, and create treatment plans with behavioral and pharmacological strategies to refine your best practices for individuals with dementia.

This course focuses on using the DICE method to assess behavioral symptoms of dementia and create and evaluate treatment plans. It also covers choosing the most appropriate use of medication during disease management and common behavioral issues with dementia patients including tools for management of these behaviors.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:
  1. Identify and differentiate dementia symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
  2. Integrate the current pharmacological best practices used in managing dementia, including applying the pharmacological mechanisms of action, dosing considerations, and potential side effects as they apply to patient-centered care.
  3. Apply the DICE psycho-behavioral model in clinical practice to guide medication decisions for individuals with dementia, considering factors such as patient preferences, caregiver input, and environmental modifications.
  4. Develop comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with dementia, integrating pharmacological and behavioral strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
Learning Outcome Statement: Learners will demonstrate increased knowledge to assess behavioral symptoms of dementia and create and evaluate treatment plans by scoring 80% or higher on a post-test. To obtain credit and a certificate of completion, learners will score 80% or higher on a post-test and complete a program evaluation.

Credits:
  • Faculty: Omar Ghosn, MD, Geriatric Psychiatrist, UC San Diego Dept of Psychiatry
  • County of San Diego Alzheimer’s Project Clinical Roundtable Provider Education Committee
  • Champions for Health

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